Careers in a rapidly developing technological environment

CAREERS IN A RAPIDLY DEVELOPING TECHNOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

Introduction

Careers and professions have evolved over the years. Some have changed completely while others have simply added different dimensions. For instance, a large part of what used to be marketing has become Strategic Management. A lot of what we used to call Human Resource Management could find descriptions such as Knowledge Management and so on and so forth.  However, in this piece we want to focus on careers and professions that have emerged relatively recently as a result of rapid developments in technology. 

Here are some of the careers and the secondary school subjects that could get to easily follow them.

Computer System Analyst

People working as computer system analysts work to understand how computers and their system can serve a firm in a specific area. They are responsible for deciding which hardware or software would be appropriate for the organization and working to manage their installation, supervise and report the outcome of these installations to top management. Senior High School Elective Mathematics and Physics, plus either Chemistry or any other related subject would be important. However, candidates who could not go to university should not feel all is lost. Globally Professional Courses such C+, A+, N+ or some combination of these should lead you into this profession.

Database Administrator (DBA)

These professionals are responsible for organizing, storing mining and managing organization’s information. DBAs would typically work to develop specified database for the firm’s use as well as securing information deemed by the firm as sensitive. DBA is among the fastest growing professions in the world especially for Africa, these professionals would be in very high demand in the foreseeable future.  As with many technology-related professions, Senior High School Mathematics is vital, Physics with any science related electives should be sufficient to gain admission to a degree in this programme.

Software Developer

Software Developers develop the computer software which makes the hardware work. It is believed that the growth in the smart phone technology sub-sector should create a lot of job opportunities for software engineers. The subject area requires Elective Mathematics and Physics must be among your electives.

IT Manager

If you have a problem with your computer in your company, it is the IT manager who should be seen , in other words, in case of any technical hitches, talk to an IT Manager. IT managers are responsible for making sure that the front-line technician get both hardware and software problems quickly resolved. This makes the IT Manager’s work a rather high pressured profession. It often requires a degree in IT Science or a shade of that nature. Your mathematics skill is needed here. Candidates should opt for a SHS maths and sciences. Apart from an academic degree at university other often Microsoft certified professional pathways with easier entry requirement are available for candidates to explore.

Computer Systems Administrator

The job of a computer systems administrator requires him to facilitate the smooth working of the internet system in the company. The computer System Administrator ensures that data is shared to all computer stations networked to the company’s main server. Both degree and professional pathways are available. Like previous careers in IT, computational skills are needed here. Candidates wishing to pursue this profession should not play with their maths subjects both the core and the electives.

Summary

In Sum, it is refreshing to note that contrary to the general belief that improvements in technology kills employment, some studies have actually noted that technology rather creates some jobs, generates the need for specialized work fields and modifies other jobs. 

The key to taking advantage of these career goals could simply lie in retraining. This is because, the contest between man and machine has a deep root in history. For instance, in the 1800s, the introduction of the weaving machine into the textile industry saw some agitation about whether these machines were taking jobs from production hands or whether they were just easing out the workloads. Around 2007, retail workers expressed the same worry about the introduction of automatic checkouts. Sooner than later, taxi drivers could have their turn with self-driving cars. 

So clearly, candidates must be abreast with some of these changes as there may be more career opportunities than every job killed.

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